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The first time is a real bear, just have confidence that you are doing the right thing. I remember calling, to the point that I started to get voice mail. Try not to do that, but if you do so what. Time goes by quicker then you think and before you know it, you will be over to see her.

I enjoy the extra space on the bed and the fact I actually have covers that I only have to fight my dear husband for!

Don't forget the retired dog you still have to fight as well

-=#David

Well, this started off as a really interesting thread. Too bad we couldn't keep it that way. (Rick_C 2009, Classic RTF)
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Take what you get and thank them (the Judges) afterwards no matter what the outcome. (Moira Sheehan)

The first time is a real bear, just have confidence that you are doing the right thing. I remember calling, to the point that I started to get voice mail. Try not to do that, but if you do so what. Time goes by quicker then you think and before you know it, you will be over to see her.

Keith

Look at time from their perspective. 5-10 minutes times 10-20 clients adds up quick. Thus each time you call could be cutting into your dogs training.

Its hard, my pup has been with the trainer for over a year and a half. When she first left I wanted to call all the time but thought better of it and just let the pup adjust. But in the end it is so worth it. My girl had a nice derby career and now training for qual and AA. I do have another dog that keeps me company at home. I have her home for december then off to the south for the winter for some great training, which she LOVES!!!!

Its really hard. I have a very demanding job with long hours. I had a great dog that was going to waste because I was too busy to train him. I made the decision and never looked back....what helped me, I tried to sit at my desk and think about all the fun my dog was having. Like "right now, its morning he is doing drill work", it's noon now, "he has already had a land set up and moving to water". Or today is "flyer fridays" and he LOVES flyers! He absolutely loved the trainer and loved working and being there. That helped alot. And most of all he was always happy to see me, but still happy to go back to the trainer. I know I called too much. I even had an app on my phone that told me the weather in that area. One time there was a tornado warning and I just knew it was headed for the kennel and sent a text message! : ( I worried sick about cold and even brought him beds for his house and hole on the trailer. I was pitiful. I was blessed to have a trainer that put up with me and the love I have for my dogs. He was so nice to me, and understanding even though I had to have been a pain. In the spring when I finally had time off to go train for a week, I almost didnt recognize my dog. He looked like a BEAR! He had tons of coat and that long coat gene. The trainer chuckled and said "and you were worried about him being cold!". We both laughed! Took me tons of brushing to get that winter coat gone!!! LOL Anyway, it is hard, but in the end you will have a solid dog with a great foundation for you to have fun with for years to come. It's like a great camp for the dogs. And hopefully your trainer will teach you as much as mine did. Thank you Jack Morris at Stellar Retrievers for all you did for Hoot and I. I wish my boy was still here (I lost him to cancer on Oct. 16th). If he was he would still be with Jack.

On Saturday my little girl will be leaving with the trainer, I know it's the best thing for her, but how do you all handle them being gone?

Never thought I would do this but I Just sent my first dog ever away with a trainer. I keep in mind he will see more sets ups and drills in a moth then he would in 2 months up here. Plus he will be south in the sun and warmth while I am up here freezing my a$$ off.